The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has demonstrated its commitment to youth engagement and professional development by hosting 400-level students of Mass Communication and Media Studies from Bingham University, Abuja.
The visit, led by senior lecturer and communication strategist, Sebastian Abu, aimed to expose students to real-world challenges and practical realities in public relations within security institutions.
The National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller of Customs (AC) Abdullahi Maiwada, highlighted the significance of strategic communication in shaping public trust, protecting national security, and facilitating economic stability. He emphasised that modern public relations practice demands continuous learning, digital engagement, and crisis communication.
Maiwada noted that public relations within the NCS involves managing crisis communication, engaging stakeholders, protecting institutional integrity, and ensuring information flow supports national objectives. He urged students to remain teachable and adaptable in the dynamic field of communication.
Abu praised the Customs PR team for maintaining professionalism in public engagement, describing the visit as a strategic knowledge exchange between academia and industry.
The students gained valuable insights into the PR Unit’s operations, including content production, digital tools, and media strategies used to address crisis situations.
Some students, preparing to graduate soon, shared their aspirations and appreciated the NCS for the experience, describing it as inspiring and timely.
The visit provided them with a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical realities in public relations.